Teething Guide to Console a Distressed Child

You might have seen those cute little kids smiling and showcasing their new asset i.e. tooth. Teething is a natural process which starts developing from mother’s womb itself. Tooth buds in the form of gums will be there in newborns and starts appearing from 6 months onwards. Teeth pierce the skin and come out. Teeth have a definite sequence of appearance first the incisors then lateral teeth and then molars. It can erupt individually or a number of teeth at once. You may find teeth growing irregularly, but with time these teeth straighten-up. By the time your child reaches the age of 3, he will have his full set of 20 baby teeth. These temporary teeth start falling at the age of 6 and he or she will have full set of adult teeth.

What happens to child during teething period?

Teething is a painful process as the sharp teeth pierces the gum. The pain caused during this process may result in fussiness, irritability, excess salivation and drooling, difficulty to sleep and loss of appetite. But make a note that it is not normal for teething babyto have fever diarrhea, nappy rash etc. during teething. Seek medical advice incase unusual symptoms appear.

It is a common sight to find your child restless during teething period.

How to console a teething baby?

Many parents opt to give teething baby something to chew such as teething toys, rings or necklaces. Grandmas use to gently massage the gums to ease pain temporarily, children find themselves comfortable during massage. Wash your hands thoroughly before massaging gums with your finger. You can give them chilled fruits and foods also to sooth the gums. If your baby is too small for eating solids, then you can give them unsweetened teething biscuit..You can also use a small cool spoon which was kept in the refrigerator or a moist gauze pad. Avoid using teetherswhich are filled with liquid, as the teethers may break, leaking the water which may not be good for infant health.

Can we give baby pain medications to get some relief?

It is advised not to start with pain medications. Try the traditional methods of rubbing or giving them teething toys, if these are not working, some doctors recommend use of over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These medications should be given under medical supervision and when the baby is older than 6 months. Check the dosage with the doctor before administration of the medicine.

Just don’t buy any teether available in the market. According to a report of September 2017, the Center for Disease Control published a case wherein an infant suffered lead poisoning because of use of homeopathic magnetic hematite bracelet which was indicated for teething infants to reduce discomfort and pain.